Saint Alban of Britain

A life of faith

Alban lived at Verulamium in Roman Britain when Christian clergy faced persecution. He sheltered a fugitive priest and was moved by the priest’s prayer to ask about his faith. The received life remembers Alban’s conversion and his decision to exchange clothing with the priest so that the visitor could escape. Arrested in the priest’s place, Alban refused to abandon his new confession and was executed. His commemoration honors both the hospitality that opened his own life to faith and the courage through which he protected another person. The precise year of his martyrdom remains uncertain.

The Eastern Orthodox Church remembers saints in prayer and commemoration. Their lives offer examples for Christians learning to live their faith.

A reflection

Make hospitality more than a polite welcome. Notice who needs protection or patient listening, and offer help that preserves the other person’s dignity.

Read the Orthodox source

Feast dates follow the linked source. Local calendars and commemorations may vary. Themes describe a saint’s life; quiz suggestions do not assign a baptismal patron. Discuss choosing a patron saint with your priest.